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L A B O R S

Worship time:

9:00 a.m.

Adult Bible

Study: 10:15

a.m.

Trinity Lutheran Church and Preschool

634 Alden Drive

Auburn, Nebraska 68305

(402) 274-4210

Web: http://www.trinityaubne.org

April 2017 - May 2017

Volume XXXII Number 2 of L O V E

About three weeks ago, the head preschool teacher and a

preschool student came into the church office. The student

had drawn a picture for me and put it on a square piece of

cardboard. You can see what the picture looks like above.

I asked the student about the picture, and she told me that

it was a picture of Jesus and the cross. I thanked the

student for drawing the picture for me and told her that I

would put it up on my door. If you’re in the office, you

can see it posted on my door. It looks very nice!

The next day, when I saw the student’s grandmother, I

asked her if she could give me some background on the

picture. She said that cardboard was leftover from

something (she couldn’t remember what) and that it was

her granddaughter’s idea to draw what she did and give it

to me.

I’ve been thinking about this picture ever since the student

brought it to me. Can you see Jesus with His longer hair

and beard? Can you see the cross next to Him?

This simple picture of Jesus and His cross are a good

representation of the wonderful things that are happening

in our preschool and daycare missions. Trinity Lutheran

Preschool started in January of 1982. Kids of HIS

Kingdom Daycare started in August of 2012.

Over the years, as teachers and pastors have taught the

children in their daily activities and in chapel, the students

have heard the good news about Jesus as their loving

Savior—that He died on the cross for them and rose again

from the dead for them to rescue them and all people from

sin, from death, and from the power of the devil. John

3:16-17, ESV: “For God so loved the world, that he gave

his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not

perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son

into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the

world might be saved through him.”

If last year is like this year, then about half of our students

and their families in both missions have church homes in

the area. The others do not. Whether it is here locally or

globally in places like Honduras, we are thankful for the

privilege that our living Savior, Jesus, has given us to

participate in that work of making “disciples of all nations,

baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son

and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 25:19) With God’s word

that we plant among people in different settings by

ourselves and with the help of others, the Holy Spirit

works to bring more people to repentance and faith in

Jesus as their loving and living Savior.

Thanks for your support of missions with your time,

abilities and finances over the years, so that others can hear

the good news about Jesus as their loving Savior. As I said

in the last newsletter, 2017 is the 500th anniversary of the

reformation of the church. Even as we remember and

celebrate this important milestone, I pray that you and I

will continue support the mission work that we’re doing

together as a congregation. I pray also that you and I will

grow in being personally involved in telling others the

good news about how God saves us—by grace alone

through faith alone in Jesus Christ. That’s what God

tells us so clearly in His Holy Word – the Bible. We do so

not for our own glory, but for the sake of people like that

preschool student who drew the picture of Jesus and His

cross for me—so that they will hear about Him, believe in

Him as Savior, join us in following Him in faith as Savior

always, and enjoy life together with our living Lord

forever in His heavenly home. Praise God from Whom all

blessings flow!

God’s continued blessings to you and your families!

In Christ,

Pastor Jon Rathjen

Matthew 28:19-20 Go therefore and make disciples of all

nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the

Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I

have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to

the end of the age.”

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Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church 634 Alden Drive

Auburn, Nebraska 68305 274-4210

email – trinityaub@windstream.net

http://www.trinityaubne.org

Officers: EFFECTIVE JULY 1 Chairman - *Dennis Wittmann

Secretary - *Susan Johnston

Treasurer - *Tim Becker

Financial Secretary - *Jim Parrish

Board of Childhood Development:

*Dennis Wittmann

Erin Fisk

Rochelle Collins

Emily Crotty

Board of Education: * Judith Ruskamp

Suzanne Hinrichs

Sarah Bogdanoff

Superintendent - Merri Johnson

Board of Elders: *John Ackerman

*Troy Barker

Tim Becker

Eric Bohling

Dan Buman

Michael Zaruba

Board of Evangelism: *Stacy Zaruba

Karen Kamtz

Lori Parrish

Board of Stewardship: *Rich Tanderup

Ken Riley

Eric Wilke

Board of Trustees: *Jerry Ruskamp

Rick Fritz

Gary Kamtz

Trinity Foundation: Brian Meyer

Melissa Buman

Paul Hinrichs

Gary Kamtz

Dan Buman

Cemetery Committee: Daryl Stutheit

Kurt Stutheit

_________TBD

Auxiliary Presidents: Luth. Laymen’s League - Richard Tanderup

LWML - Angie Becker

Trinity Youth Group - Zachary Becker

Church Staff Pastor - *Rev. Jonathan Rathjen

Secretary - Laurie Clark

*Denotes Board of Directors member

Congregational Goals for

2016-2017

1) Promote engaging relationships and connections

in the community (esp. Preschool and KOHK

parents) to share the saving love of Jesus.

2) Promote engaging relationships and connections

inside the congregation to share the saving love of

Jesus.

3) Utilize, to maximum potential, the website to

communicate with the community and the

congregational members, allowing the boards to

use the website to maximize the potential of

completing their goals

April 2017-May 2017 ELDERS

April 02 – Eric Bohling

05 – Mdwk Lent 6 (7PM)

09 – Dan Buman

Palm Sunday

13 – Maundy Thurs. (7PM)

14 – Good Friday (7PM)

16 – Mike Zaruba

Easter (8AM)

23 – John Ackerman

30 – Troy Barker

Confirmation

May 07 – Tim Becker

14 – Eric Bohling

Graduation

21 – Dan Buman

28 – Mike Zaruba

ORGANISTS PIANISTS

Sandy Wilson

Loretta Kerchal

Vicki Ackerman

Tyne Chaney

Merri Johnson

Sandy Wilson

Amber Meyer ALTAR CARE

April Pat Maddox

Linda Schultz

May TBA

ACOLYTES

April 02 – Kyle Becker

05 – Samuel Ackerman MW 7 PM Lent 6 09 – Dariane Stutheit

Palm Sunday

13 – Sam Ackerman Maundy Thurs. (7PM)

14 – Sam Ackerman Good Friday (7PM)

16 – Kyra Becker

Easter (8AM)

23 – Dariane Stutheit

30 – Kyra Becker

Confirmation

May

07 – Kyra Becker .

14 – Angel Tanderup

21 – Kyle Becker

28 – Kyle Becker

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Coming Events:

April 1: LWML Spring Workshop

April 7 & 8: Prayer Vigil

April 8: Women’s Lenten Service

April 13: Christus Chorus

April 16: Easter Breakfast & Egg Hunt

April 17: Voters’ Meeting

April 30: Confirmation Sunday

May 14: Graduation Sunday

May 19: Preschool End-of-Year

Program and Graduation;

35th

Anniversary Celebration

May 29: Memorial Day

If your family has any changes to address,

phone number, etc. please make sure to

contact the church office!

Lenten & Holy Week

Worship calendar: The Lenten midweek worship services will wrap up

on April 5. Please mark your calendar for this last

Lenten midweek worship and Holy Week dates, and

watch for details in your weekly worship bulletins!

April 5 at 7:00 P.M. Midweek Lent 6 Service

April 9 – PALM SUNDAY at 9:00 A.M. April 13 – Maundy Thursday

at 7:00 P.M. April 14 – Good Friday at 7:00 P.M. April 16 – EASTER at 8:00 A.M.

Prayer Vigil

Please mark your calendar for our Prayer Vigil which

will take place on Friday, April 7 from 5 p.m. until

midnight, and again on Saturday, April 8 from 5 a.m.

until 5 p.m. Watch weekly bulletins for more details!

Christus Chorus

The Christus Chorus of Concordia University,

St. Paul, Minnesota, will participate musically in

the worship service at St. Paul’s Lutheran (6

Miles North) Falls City on Maundy Thursday,

April 13th

at 7:30 pm. The 24-voice choir, under

the direction of Dr. David L. Mennicke, will

perform a variety of music at appropriate times

throughout the worship service. The choir is

grateful for the opportunity to perform some of

the great music of the Church and to witness

through music as an expression of faith. A

freewill offering will be taken to support the

choir’s music ministry.

The Christus Chorus is the concert choir of

Concordia University, St. Paul, Minnesota. The

group has existed as a mixed auditioned choir

since the 1950’s. Past directors have included

Harold Otte, Paul Manz, Robert Dosien, David

Krause, and Robert Leininger. David Mennicke

has directed the choir since 1989. The Christus

Chorus is auditioned from the 1,500 member

traditional program student body of Concordia

University. Christus Chorus members represent

many of the forty-five majors offered at

Concordia. The choir participates in Concordia’s

annual Christmas Concerts and sings regularly

for the campus’s morning chapel services. Each

year the Christus Chorus holds a concert tour

(usually during Holy Week) and records their

tour program. Every four years, the choir has an

international tour; past itineraries have been to

Europe (France, Italy, England, Germany,

Poland, Czech Republic, and Greece), Africa

(Ghana in 2008) and Asia (South Korea in

2012).

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Cut out and put somewhere that you will remember to pray

regularly and often in your devotional prayer time for

these people:

On-Going Prayers

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all

circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for

you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, ESV

Healing and strengthened faith in Christ for those who are ill: Eric Adams (friend of Eric Bohling), Jeannie Becker (Tim’s Mother), Nate Becker (Tim Becker’s brother), Alivia Birdsley (John Birdsley’s granddaughter), Amelia Becker, Harold Bickford (friend of Trinity members), Randy Boden (Elta Whitney’s son-in-law), LeRoy Caspers (friend of the Hawley family and others), JR Chaney, Marshall Clark (Jim & Sharon Clark’s grandson), Cheryl Dirksen (Les’ daughter-in-law), Diane Drew (Gary Kamtz’s sister), Marvin Green (friend of Hawleys), Catherine Hawley (Chuck Hawley’s mother), Dominic Herrera (Kim Kieler’s great nephew), Donna Hoadley (Merri Johnson’s sister), McKenzy Long (Jane & Gary Spear’s granddaughter), Sanna Manders (Sadie (Johnson) Vercauteren’s sister-in-law), Beverly McLaughlin (Marlene Dietrich’s relative), Jerry Oestmann, Jean Obermeier (Karen Kamtz’s friend), Rae Osenbaugh (Merri Johnson’s daughter-in-law’s mother), Tammy Pinnow (wife of Melissa Buman’s cousin), Loyal Rippe, Hank Schaart (friend of Trinity members), Rev. Robert Schermbeck, Richard Schultz (Linda’s brother), LaVerta Schultze, Deb Sisco (Erin Fisk’s mother), Clint Thomas (Tim Becker’s uncle), Emily Zech (Pat Collins’ daughter), and all others in special need.

Our missionary families: Rev. Ed and Deaconess Cherie Auger. Pray that the Lord will watch over, bless, and provide all that is needed for this missionary family as they make the transition to serving in the Dominican Republic. Pray also that He will bless them with wisdom and all that they need for their new roles. Licensed Deacon Tulia Meza. Pray that the Lord will continue to bless Tulia with wisdom and all that he needs as he works with children, youth and families to prepare them for baptism and confirmation.

Others in foreign missions: Papua New Guinea: Martin & Marie Dicke as they prepare to go to Papua New Guinea; Grand Cayman, Jamaica, Puerto Rico: Rev. Charles, Deborah, Olivia & Sophia St-Onge; Dominican Republic: Rev. Joel, Clarion, Slav, Sergei, Andrei Fritsche and Bill, Nicole, Kiersten, & Karissa Lohmeyer; Africa Radio Ministries: Rev. John & Kathy Duitsman: Mongolia: Rev. David, Rachel, Julia, Timothy, Daniel & Esther Baker; Southeast Asia: Rev. Charles, Cheryl, Caleb, Caitlin, Carissa, & Cassie Ferry; Kenya: Shara Cunningham and Julie McManus, Rev. Shauen, Krista, Josiah, Elijah and Isaiah Trump; Germany: Rick, Marla, Courtney & Jonah Steenbock, and Rev. Dr. Christopher, Elizabeth & Thomas Ahlman; Taiwan & the Philippines: Sean Harlow; Nicaragua: the people, pastors and deaconesses of the Lutheran Church—Nicaragua Synod: Rev. Junior Martinez and the members of the mission congregation at La Paz, Honduras; the mission congregation at Comayaguela, Honduras; the emerging mission at Choluteca, Honduras; Peru: Rev. Josh, Amanda, Katherine and Zechariah Gale.

Encouragement, strengthened faith and healing for those with long-term illnesses: Kate Blaylock (Linda Jacobsen’s mother), Jill Bloss (friend the Ackermans), Lee Bogle (Randy Bogle’s brother), Gary Boham (Pat Maddox’s brother-in-law), Ruth Bohling, Greg Brandt (Brother-in-law of Pam Tetrick), Neena Cipolla (Janet and Chuck Hawley’s granddaughter), Aaron Clark (son of former members), Myrna Corbin, Ethel Currier (Heather Lowrance’s Grandma), Myrna Fredrick (friend of Jane Stutheit), Susan George (Vicki Ackerman’s sister), Donna Gottula (friend of Trinity members), Gale Haun (Kamtz family friend), Maryann Kalkwarf

(friend of Lori Parrish), Linda Kasprzak (Laurie Clark’s sister), Paul Koehler (cousin of Becky Lueders, Eric Bohling, Sandy Wilson, and Dale Bohling), Ida Kuhlmann, Sonia Madridejo (relative of Jane Stutheit), Patty Mason (Linda Schultz’s sister), Cindy Meyers, (Pat Collins’ niece), Bev Moyer, Linda Oestrich (Vicki Ackerman’s aunt), Elaine Riley (Ken’s sister), Nora Marie (infant relative of the Riley family), Scott Riley, Dick Schlichtmann (Vicki Ackerman’s dad), Sally Schneider (Becky Lueders’ cousin), Rosanna Tanderup (Rich’s sister-in-law), Pam Tetrick, Robyn Tetrick, Fredrick and Carolyn Tietjan (Vicki Ackerman’s uncle and aunt), Ann Virtucio (Jane Stutheit’s sister), Joy Virtucio (Jane Stutheit’s sister), Justin Williams (friend of Hawleys and Hasslebrings).

Preaching stations or subsidized congregations: Zion, Crookston (Rev. Greg Hinners); Lamb of God, Hickman (Rev. Luke Russert, vacancy pastor); Sandhills Ministry [Bingham Lutheran, Bingham; Faith, Hyannis; Shepherd of the Hills, Hyannis] (Rev. Andy Safarik)

The Friendly Face Program: Pray that the Holy Spirit will bless this effort by volunteers from Trinity to build caring relationships with the families who bring their children to Kids of HIS Kingdom daycare, and use it to nurture a growing faith-connection with Jesus, their loving Savior.

Those in the armed forces: Dillon Becker (Tim’s nephew), Bob Bogle (Randy & Kay’s son), Jake Bruss (fiance of KoHK daycare worker Sophia Fox’s cousin), Alex Chase (son of Becky Lueders’ friend, Tammy Chase), Guy Cipolla, Brody Clark (Kim Kieler’s son), Aaron Fisk, Luke Gifford (son of Rev. Dan & Katy Gifford), Trey Hightower (friend of Trinity members), Rev. Matt Mortenson, Chris Pelchat, Scott Rathke (Becky Lueders’ cousin), Chris Riley (Ken’s nephew), Matt Riley (Ken’s nephew), Rev. Pat Riley (Ken’s brother), and Andy Roepke.

Ethnic congregations/ministries: Cristo Cordero de Dios, Grand Island [Hispanic congregation] (Rev. Salvador Ferrero); Ministry to Muslims, Omaha (Emad and Shireen Tawadrous, missionaries); African immigrant ministry (Rev. Eddie Mekasha); Peace International Friendship Center, Omaha (Rev. Jim Haack, director); Sudanese Ev. Lutheran Church, Omaha (Rev. Peter Gatkuoth); Jesus Es el Senor (Jesus is Lord), Omaha (Rev. Obdulio Felix); Lord of Lords Sudanese Lutheran Church, Omaha (Rev. Leroy Gerner, vacancy pastor); Jesus Our Savior Lutheran Outreach, Winnebago (Rev. Ricky Jacob).

Seminary students we support or who have connections with our congregation: Rev. Tim Prince as he finishes an advanced degree at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis; Zachary Courie at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana as he prepares to be a pastor. Rev. Mashon Asaki from Nigeria as he works on his doctorate at Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne. Pray that the Lord would bless the learning process for these men so that they will be well prepared to serve Him as pastors and in other ways. Pray also that the Lord will bless their families with all that they need—physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Trinity Lutheran Preschool & Kids of HIS Kingdom Childhood Development Center that the Lord will continue to bless these missions of our congregation and bring more students to hear about the saving love of Jesus.

Our college students – Madison Anderson, Sydni Barker, Tyler Barker, Blair Benton, Quintin Boden, Laura Butler, Drew Clarke, Danielle Gauchat, Wyatt Gauchat, Tyler Hasselbring, Rachel Hinrichs, Kelsey Jacobsen, MacKenzie Larson, Mallory Parrish, Lauren Pelchat, Heidi Rathjen, Micah Rathjen, Scott Riley, Christine Ruskamp, Cassie Severs, Robyn Tetrick, Tori Tetrick, and Nadine Yoesel—that God would bless their studies and other activities. Pray also that they take time during the school year to feed their faith by listening to God’s Word in personal devotions and in attending worship services so that by the Holy Spirit’s work

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they will continue to trustfully follow Jesus and be comforted by the Good News of His ongoing love, care and forgiveness for them.

New congregations (within 5 years): Cross of Christ, Aurora (served by Rev. Timothy Wells), and Life Church Lutheran, Lincoln (served by vacancy pastor Rev. Bill Steinbauer)

New ministry starts (not yet congregations): Columbus Lutheran Hispanic Ministry [joint ministry of Peace, Immanuel, 1C] (Sergio Puente, missionary); River of Life, Grand Island [satellite of Trinity, GI] (Rev. Jack Gillam/Rev. Adam Snoberger); The Edge, Holdrege [ministry of Mt. Calvary, Holdrege] (Rev. Kenton Birtell); 211South, Lincoln [satellite of Christ, Lincoln] (Rev. Jeff Scheich/Rev. Carl Grulke); LifeStory, LaVista [satellite of Beautiful Savior] (Rev. Ryan Brons)

Circuit News

Pastor Tim Llewellyn and his wife, Keri, from

Faith Lutheran in Humboldt and Zion Lutheran

in Pawnee City, along with Pastor Jason Wolter

from St. John Lutheran in Tecumseh and

Immanuel Lutheran in Sterling organized a lock-

in for high school youth from our circuit

congregations. Sixteen youth attended the lock-

in held from Friday, February 24 at 9:00 p.m.

until Saturday, February 25 at 7:00 a.m.

Faith Lutheran hosted the event. The group

enjoyed pizza, pop and other snacks. They had

the use of the HTRS gym for activities. Those

gathered watched movies, played videos and had

a Bible Study at midnight. Breakfast was served

at 6:00 a.m. Saturday morning.

Thank you members of Trinity for your prayerful

support and involvement in activities like this

with our brothers and sisters in Christ from

neighboring congregations in our Circuit!

Women’s Lenten Service

This annual non-denominational service will take

place at Auburn Presbyterian Church on Saturday,

April 8 at 8:00 a.m. Women of faith will gather to

hear the word of God and to enjoy refreshments

together immediately following the service. All ages

are welcome! A flyer is posted by the kitchen

window with details.

Graduation 2017

This year we are happy to celebrate the high school

graduation of Zachary Becker and Krista Riley.

Krista plans to be a medical lab tech with the RHOP

Scholarship (Rural Health Opportunities Program).

She will study at Peru State College beginning in the

Fall 2017, and then later transfer to the University

Medical Center. Over the summer she will continue

to work at El Portal here in Auburn.

Zachary will be attending Peru State College and has

not yet declared a major field of study.

We pray that the Lord will bless Zachary & Krista in

their plans for the future. Sunday, May 14 we will

observe Graduation Sunday during worship. Watch

for more details as we near that day.

Confirmation Sunday

April 30, 2017

All members of the congregation are invited to a

reception in the Fellowship Hall after worship on

Sunday, April 30 to celebrate the confirmation of

Chloe Curry.

We share the joy of Chloe and her family as they

mark this milestone in her life of following Christ

in faith!

We pray that the Holy Spirit will bless Chloe

with growing, persevering faith in Jesus as her

Savior all the days of her life.

John 3:16 (ESV) [Jesus said:] “For God so loved the

world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes

in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Revelation 2:10 (ESV) Do not fear what you are

about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw

some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and

for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto

death, and I will give you the crown of life.

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KoHK CORNER

Come & See Our Growing Daycare

Mission in Action!

Trinity Lutheran

Preschool

Please come and tour Kids of HIS Kingdom

(1320 20th

Street) Mondays – Thursdays, 8:00 –

10:30 AM, or 2:00 – 3:30 PM. Just as a picture

is worth a thousand words, you can best feel the

energy of our growing daycare by experiencing

it! We are always adding new faces to our

daycare family of children. Come and see HIS

Kingdom in the faces of the little children who

believe in Jesus! We have added new faces to

our daycare family of children. Come and see

HIS Kingdom in the faces of the little children

who believe in Jesus!

KoHK Welcomes VOLUNTEERS!

Please contact Heather Schultz (402-274-1424)

to see if there is something you can help with

involving various tasks at our daycare mission.

Examples:

preparing snacks

Cleaning

Occasional repairing/sewing of toys

Assisting staff with various childcare and

activities

Now they were bringing even infants to him

that he might touch them. And when the

disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus

called them to him, saying, “Let the children

come to me, and do not hinder them, for to

such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say

to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom

of God like a child shall not enter it.”

Luke 18:15–17

We have been busy with some of our older

students starting to put letters together and

read a few of the Bob books. We’ve also

worked on the letters F, U, V, W, Y and Z

along with the numbers 1-10, the color green

and the shape of a rectangle. Our great

months of learning continued with study of

the Ten Commandments with Pastor.

Registration News:

TLC Preschool is now taking applications for

the 2017-2018 fall term. Classes will be held

Monday - Thursday mornings from 8:15-

11:45 a.m.

Because of the potential large number of

students next year, we are looking at the

possibility of having two sessions. We are

awaiting Board approval on that.

Applications from returning students were

due back at the end of March and will help to

further evaluate the need for the second

session.

Enrollment is now also open to students on

the waiting list. A non-refundable

registration and materials fee of $25 ensures

a child a spot, with monthly tuition of $90

(members of Trinity receive a $5/month

tuition discount). Tuition assistance is

available. (Tuition is subject to change.)

Kim Kieler, Director/Teacher

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2017 LWML Falls City Zone

Spring Workshop

Saturday, April 1st, 2017 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Weeping Water.

All women of the congregation are invited – you need not be an LWML member! If you

would like to participate and need a ride, please call Pastor or Angie Becker.

Registration, with coffee and rolls, begins at 8:30 a.m. and the workshop will begin at 9 a.m. The theme

will be “Joy Through Christ” based on John 15:11. There will be two Bible studies – “Joy and the

Journey” and “All Things in Christ” - for the feeding of your faith. An ingathering will be received.

Please bring either personal care items for the food pantry in Weeping Water or children’s clothing for an

orphanage in Haiti. A lunch will be provided by the host church. The Spring Workshop will be finished

by approximately 12:30-1:00 p.m.

Ingathering Information

PERSONAL CARE ITEMS for the pantry in Weeping Water

Example of Personal Care: any size (not necessary to put in plastic bags)

Soap Shampoo Sturdy combs Tooth brushes Tooth paste Deodorant Towels Wash cloths Nail clippers

And

CLOTHING for the children ages 3-13 in HAITI

Ideas for items for Haiti New socks & underwear Flip flops Pillow case dresses Shorts T-shirts Light weight jackets Clothing can be used – but in GOOD condition. Please bring an item or items with you or a monetary donation. Thank you!!

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Lenten Feast

This year our usual “Corned Beef Feast” expanded to include a tilapia dinner! Our Trinity family

worked hard to put together an amazing feast for everyone who came and enjoyed their selection

of meal, as well as warm fellowship. Thank you to all who contributed time, food, cooking skills

and service of any sort! Proceeds of $976 will provide equipment that will be the source of fun

and growth for our daycare little ones!

Pat Collins and Les Dirksen cut the corned beef. Aaron Fisk and Erin worked on baking the fish.

Charlotte Stelling readies the desserts! Dennis Wittmann waits to serve hungry guests!

HAPPY DINERS!!!

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Reformation Events in Our Area

Reformation at Concordia University

April 2, 2017 Concordia A Cappella Choir Concert St. John Lutheran Church Seward, Nebraska 7:00 PM

April 3, 2017 Cameron Anderson – Guest Lecturer Christians in the Visual Arts – Exe. Director “Prone to Ponder: Reading Albrecht Durer’s Melancholia I” Weller Chapel 7:00 PM

April 6, 2017 Dr. Daniel Siedell – Lecture Presidential Scholar & Art Historian in Residence at The King’s College “Who’s Afraid of Modern Art?“ TLEC Auditorium 3:40 PM

April 11, 2017

Concordia Symphonic Band Concert St. John Lutheran Church Seward, Nebraska 7:00 PM

500th Reformation Anniversary Celebration Schedule For Sunday,

October 29, 2017

Concordia University Walz Arena 2:30 P.M Walz Arena Lobby Reformation Art Gallery by Concordia

Art Students

2:30 P.M. Walz Arena Entrance Sidewalk Chalk Art Exhibit

3:30 P.M. Walz Arena 500th Reformation Worship Service, Dr.

Timothy Saleska

5:00 P.M Walz Field House German Fest Dinner and entertainment

(Meal tickets available on-line beginning September 2017 or at the door the

day of the event.)

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Please note: This information is a follow-up from the February – March Labors of Love newsletter. I told

you that we would give some information about the meaning of the different parts of Luther’s Seal. The

information below is from a certificate originally produced by Lutheran Brotherhood (one of the

organizations that became Thrivent) that we have given to confirmands over the years.

Martin Luther’s Seal

While a professor of Wittenberg, Luther devised this seal which he declared was meant to be “expressive

of his theology.” This explanation is the gist of a letter written to his friend, Herr Spengler, town clerk of

Nuremberg.

The first thing expressed in my seal is a cross, black, within the heart, to put me in mind that faith in Christ crucified saves us. ‘For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness.’ Now, although the cross is black, mortified, and intended to cause pain, yet it does not change the colour of the heart, does not destroy nature—i.e., does not kill, but keeps alive. ‘For the just shall live by faith,’ –by faith in the Saviour. But this heart is fixed upon the centre of a white rose, to show that faith causes joy consolation and peace. The rose is white, not red, because white is the ideal colour of all angels and blessed spirits. This rose, moreover, is fixed in a sky—coloured ground, to denote that such joy of faith in the spirit is but an earnest and beginning of heavenly joy to come, as anticipated and held by hope, though not yet revealed. And around this groundbase is a golden ring, to signify that such bliss in heaven is endless, and more precious than all joys and treasures, since gold is the best and most precious metal. Christ, our dear Lord, He will give grace unto eternal life.

PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW!

Romans 3:28 (ESV) For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.

Galatians 2:20–21 (ESV) I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in

me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for

me. I do not nullify the grace of God, for if justification were through the law, then Christ died for no

purpose.